The YMCA-YWCA of Saint John's Story

On the grounds of Y Camp Glenburn near the Belleisle River in New Brunswick, there is a young tree called the Tree of Dreams.  It commemorates the life of a much loved YMCA-YWCA of Saint John staff member and passionate environmentalist, Leslie Bruce.  Each summer, campers cast their hopes and dreams on its branches. 

This tree is too young to bear the removal of a branch so one has been taken from an 80 foot hemlock known as the Glenburn Tree instead.  From its position outside the dining hall, this tree has watched successive generations of campers grow into outstanding leaders like Leslie.  Its canopy is thick enough to keep fifteen people dry during the heaviest of rains.

This branch symbolizes the way that the YMCA nurtures dreams -- by inspiring us in our youth, consoling us in time of challenge, making sacrifices for our benefit, and keeping us rooted throughout our lives. 

The YMCA of Prince Edward Island's Story

This piece of wood is an original beam circa World War II.  It was cut from the attic above the front lobby in the YMCA of Prince Edward Island.  The YMCA is housed in a building from the #10 Bombing and Gunnery School in Mount Pleasant.  It was bought in 1952 and became the first of four buildings that are known as the YMCA on the island today. 

YMCA facilities tell a different story about the place and time in which they were constructed or acquired.  Still, they share a common purpose: to provide a foundation upon which community can be built and sustained over time.

The YMCA of Cumberland's Story

This old padlock and key set in a piece of sturdy oak wood holds great meaning for the YMCA of Cumberland -- a YMCA that has struggled, like others, with financial viability.  In 1994, the door to the Amherst YMCA was locked tightly as community leaders wrestled with its future.  While it was re-opened eighteen months later, they worked together for twelve long years to forge the right key to open the lock to greater stability and sustainability. 

Today, the lock, key and wood tell a story about what it takes to safeguard a community asset of great value: determination, perserverance and collaboration.